In an incident that highlights the importance of respecting natural preserves, renowned actor Pierce Brosnan has been fined for stepping off designated paths in a thermal area of Yellowstone National Park. The
On Thursday, in Mammoth Hot Springs, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed a fine on 70-year-old Brosnan, a resident of Malibu, California. The fine was set at $500, with an additional $1,000 directed towards the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund as a community service payment. Brosnan was also required to cover a $30 court processing fee and a $10 special assessment.
The judgment followed Brosnan’s guilty plea to charges of foot travel in a restricted thermal area of the park. The case came to light following Brosnan’s own social media post on November 1, 2023. The James Bond actor had uploaded pictures on Instagram showing him standing on one of the thermal features at Mammoth Hot Springs, which is against park regulations. The area is clearly marked with signage warning visitors of the dangers posed by the thermal features and instructing them to stay on designated boardwalks and trails.
Even though the U.S. Attorney’s Office was pushing for a sentence of 2 years’ probation and a maximum fine of $5,000, the court settled on the lesser penalties. The incident has prompted the National Park Service to reiterate warnings about the thermal areas, where scalding water lies just below the surface.
Yellowstone National Park is a hub of geothermal activity in North America, and is home to geysers, hot springs, and other thermal features unique to the region. The park’s guidelines are designed to focus on the safety of its visitors and the protection of its natural resources. In light of Brosnan’s fine, Yellowstone urges visitors to commit to the ‘Yellowstone Pledge‘, a promise to act responsibly, safeguard oneself and the environment, and set a positive example for others.
The park encourages anyone who witnesses behavior that could endanger individuals, the park, or its natural features to inform a ranger or dial 911 if they are within park boundaries. This case, investigated by the National Park Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes, underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity and beauty of Yellowstone for future generations.
